Ad Valorem Group has acquired Bedford-based Collett Hulance, marking its entry into the town and strengthening SME support across Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes.
The Milton Keynes-based accountancy firm has taken on the long-established Bedford practice, bringing a team of nearly 30 professionals into the group. As a result, the Bedford acquisition extends its regional reach while broadening access to tax advice and specialist services.
Collett Hulance will continue to operate from its Bedford office, with the full team retained. Clients will experience continuity in day-to-day service. However, they will now also benefit from access to Ad Valorem’s wider capabilities, including R&D tax relief and strategic advisory support.
The deal strengthens links between the group’s Milton Keynes and Cambridgeshire operations. Consequently, Ad Valorem is better positioned to support business growth across a region attracting sustained investment.
“This is a natural next step for our firm,” said Mark Bottomley, director at Collett Hulance. “We share the same values around long-term relationships, technical quality and putting clients first.” He added that joining Ad Valorem allows the firm to maintain its personal service while expanding access to specialist expertise.
“Maintaining continuity for our clients and team was a key priority,” said Andrew Upton, director at Collett Hulance. “This partnership ensures we keep the local, relationship-led approach we are known for, while strengthening our ability to support clients as their needs evolve.”
Luke Adams, growth and acquisitions director at Ad Valorem, said the Bedford acquisition strengthens the group’s position in the region. “Collett Hulance is a highly respected firm with a strong reputation and culture that aligns closely with ours,” he said, adding that the move enhances its ability to support SMEs with both local insight and specialist capability.
Nikki Adams, joint managing director at Ad Valorem, said the integration builds on established foundations. “We are delighted to welcome the Collett Hulance team,” she said. “Together, we are well positioned to support businesses through the next phase of growth across the region.”
The transaction is backed by ETL UK, enabling further investment in systems and specialist expertise. As a result, the group can continue to scale its advisory services while maintaining strong local relationships.
For clients, the proposition is straightforward. They retain a trusted Bedford firm, while gaining access to a broader platform offering accountancy, tax advice and SME support.
Image: Ad Valorem Group and Collett Hulance senior team at the Bedford office following the acquisition, including Nigel Adams (rear), with (left to right) Luke Adams and Nikki Adams, Mark Bottomley and Andrew Upton.
